The “Love My Cat” effort in February to spay and neuter cats was a record-breaking success, spokeswoman Jo Mayber said Monday.

“We are delighted with the response,” Mayber said. “Without the media’s commitment to get the message out and veterinarians and vet techs’ hard work, this couldn’t have happened. The clinics should be really tired of hearing from us for awhile.”

In February and into March at some clinics, 506 cats were helped through Love My Cat -- 292 cats spayed and 214 cats neutered, Mayber said.

During Love My Cat, all veterinary clinics in North Platte and Sutherland spayed and neutered cats at a reduced rate. Cat owners paid $25 and the rest of the fee was paid by Paws-itive Partners and P.A.L.s (Prevent-A-Litter.)

An average cat litter is five. If a cat causes or delivers a litter of kittens every six months, the Love My Cat effort prevented 2,500 kittens over six months.

Mayber said unwanted cats are a major problem with companion animals. Not enough people adopt cats and kittens to provide homes for all.

The Love My Cat project offered discounts on spaying and neutering, and it was open to domestic, stray and feral cats. Most cats that were treated had homes, but there were a number of un-owned cats as well.

“We appreciate people who trapped neighborhood strays or feral cats. It’s a dedicated person who will take time to help these special cats,” Mayber said.

Mayber said the cost of Love My Cat to the non-profit organizations is high, but worth it.

“You have to look at cost versus the end result,” she said. “Think of the overpopulation problems and health problems that have been prevented.”

Cat and dog owners are reminded that Paws-itive Partners’ primary goal is to help lower income pet owners spay and neuter their pet.

Pet owners who need financial assistance to stop littering can contact the group directly or go on-line and complete an application for assistance.